Axel Sessler-Martel – Physiotherapist | Trois-Rivières, QC

Axel Sessler-Martel is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CIUSSS de la MCQ in Trois-Rivières, QC. He is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Axel’s approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's needs, ensuring optimal recovery and functional improvement. His focus includes addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and post-surgical conditions, serving older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors to promote mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall well-being.

Axel has completed his degree in Physiotherapy and possesses extensive clinical experience. He is dedicated to ongoing professional development, staying current with evidence-based practices to provide the most effective treatments. Axel has developed particular expertise and interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, applying manual therapy, therapeutic exercise prescription, and advanced assessment techniques to help his patients regain strength, flexibility, and functional independence. His holistic approach aims to treat the root causes of dysfunction, fostering long-term health and mobility.

With a patient-centered philosophy, Axel actively involves individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. He believes in empowering his patients through education, active participation, and continuous learning to achieve the best possible outcomes. Axel is fluent in German, English, and French, allowing him to communicate effectively with a diverse range of patients and ensure clarity and comfort throughout the rehabilitation process.

Axel Sessler-Martel provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy for knee ligament injuries post-operatively, focusing on restoring full knee function, power, and agility to meet your specific athletic or lifestyle demands.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Gentle and progressive physiotherapy rehabilitation following spinal surgery (e.g., for disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or spinal fusion), initiated once cleared by your surgeon, to improve mobility, core strength, posture, reduce pain, and safely return to daily activities.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Axel can assess your needs.

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Axel. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

At CIUSSS de la MCQ, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Axel frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Axel feeling defeated by clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor and resuming joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Are you finding that that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work stops you from enjoying cycling longer distances with your cycling club? Axel is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• With Axel's help, managing trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain to achieve increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like attending your favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Axel, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Axel practices at the CIUSSS de la MCQ, situated in the vibrant Downtown Trois-Rivières neighborhood. The facility is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor, making it easily accessible for patients from various parts of the city. The clinic's location is well-served by the Société de transport de Trois-Rivières (STTR), providing reliable public transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can also perform certain advanced procedures if they have the required additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They play a crucial role in delivering care by implementing treatment plans designed by a physiotherapist or physician, assisting patients with their exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising professional.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CIUSSS de la MCQ treat?

Axel's colleagues and he treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries like tendinopathy or ligament strains, nerve pain, and conditions like pelvic health concerns. Their treatments often involve Core Stability & Strengthening Training, Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is important to verify eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private health insurance plans for extended coverage.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, physiotherapy plays a vital role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. It can identify risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, and postural issues, and address them through targeted exercises, education, and activity modifications. This proactive approach helps reduce the risk of initial injuries, re-injury, and chronic pain conditions.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiothérapeute in QC?

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a physician's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare discipline focused on restoring, maintaining, and optimizing movement and function. It involves personalized exercises, hands-on techniques, and education to help you recover from injuries, manage pain, and improve your overall physical health, allowing you to live actively and comfortably.

CIUSSS de la MCQ
731, Rue Sainte-Julie
Trois-Rivières, QC G9A 1Y1

Phone: (819) 372-3536 | Website: ciusssmcq.ca

Axel Sessler-Martel is regulated by the Code des professions and Professional Integration Arrangement for physiotherapists in QC and is a member of the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Registration can be verified with the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.